11.4 Intersectionality and diversity within Native American communities

Native American communities are diverse and complex, with individuals navigating multiple identities shaped by race, gender, class, and other factors. Intersectionality recognizes how these overlapping identities create unique experiences and challenges for Native people.

Understanding this diversity is crucial for appreciating the richness of Native cultures and experiences. From urban to rural settings, traditional to modern practices, Native communities encompass a wide range of lived realities that defy simple categorization.

Intersectionality in Native communities

• Intersectionality recognizes the complex, overlapping social identities that shape Native individuals' experiences and challenges
• Acknowledges the diversity within Native communities and the unique struggles faced by different groups
• Emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the intersections of race, gender, class, and other factors in Native lives

Overlapping social identities

Top images from around the web for Overlapping social identities

• 

  Interseccionalidad en las bibliotecas – IFT View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Theoretical Perspectives of Race and Ethnicity | Introduction to Sociology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Los nativos americanos reconocían cinco géneros - Contrainformación View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Interseccionalidad en las bibliotecas – IFT View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Theoretical Perspectives of Race and Ethnicity | Introduction to Sociology View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Overlapping social identities

• 

  Interseccionalidad en las bibliotecas – IFT View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Theoretical Perspectives of Race and Ethnicity | Introduction to Sociology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Los nativos americanos reconocían cinco géneros - Contrainformación View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Interseccionalidad en las bibliotecas – IFT View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Theoretical Perspectives of Race and Ethnicity | Introduction to Sociology View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Native individuals hold multiple, intersecting identities such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status
• These identities can create unique experiences of marginalization or privilege within Native communities and broader society
• Examples include Two-Spirit individuals who face discrimination based on both their Native identity and sexual orientation, or Native women who experience both racial and gender-based oppression

Impact on lived experiences

• The intersection of social identities shapes Native individuals' daily lives, opportunities, and challenges
• For example, a Native person with a disability may face barriers to accessing healthcare and support services due to the compounding effects of racism and ableism
• Low-income Native families may struggle to access quality education and job opportunities, perpetuating cycles of poverty

Unique challenges faced

• Native communities face distinct challenges rooted in the intersections of their identities and historical trauma
• Indigenous women experience disproportionately high rates of violence, often perpetrated by non-Native individuals, highlighting the intersection of gender and race
• Native LGBTQ+ youth may face rejection from their families and communities, leading to higher rates of homelessness and mental health struggles

Diversity among Native peoples

• Native communities are incredibly diverse, with hundreds of distinct tribes, languages, and cultural traditions
• Recognizing and celebrating this diversity is crucial for understanding the complexities of Native experiences and identities
• Diversity among Native peoples highlights the importance of avoiding generalizations and stereotypes about Indigenous communities

Linguistic diversity

• There are over 150 Native languages spoken in North America, each with its own unique grammar, vocabulary, and cultural significance
• Examples include Navajo (Diné bizaad), Cherokee (Tsalagi Gawonihisdi), and Lakota (Lakȟótiyapi)
• Many Native languages are endangered due to forced assimilation and the legacy of boarding schools, making language revitalization efforts critical

Cultural diversity

• Native tribes have distinct cultural practices, beliefs, and artistic traditions that reflect their unique histories and environments
• For example, the Pueblo peoples of the Southwest are known for their intricate pottery and adobe architecture, while the Plains tribes are recognized for their elaborate beadwork and buffalo hide paintings
• Cultural diversity among Native peoples demonstrates the richness and resilience of Indigenous ways of life

Geographic diversity

• Native communities are spread across diverse geographic regions, from the Arctic tundra to the desert Southwest, each with its own unique landscapes and resources
• This geographic diversity has shaped Native cultures, economies, and adaptations to their environments
• For example, the Inuit peoples of the Arctic have developed specialized hunting and fishing techniques suited to their harsh northern climate, while the Hopi of the Southwest have cultivated drought-resistant crops like corn and squash

Intertribal relationships

• Intertribal relationships have played a significant role in shaping Native histories, cultures, and political realities
• These relationships include both historical alliances and conflicts, as well as modern collaborations and shared struggles
• Understanding intertribal dynamics is crucial for recognizing the complexity and diversity of Native experiences

Historical alliances and conflicts

• Throughout history, Native tribes have formed alliances and engaged in conflicts with one another based on factors such as trade, resources, and political power
• For example, the Iroquois Confederacy, made up of six Native nations (Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora), was a powerful political and military alliance that played a significant role in shaping colonial-era politics
• Conflicts between tribes, such as the long-standing rivalry between the Lakota and Crow peoples of the Great Plains, have also had lasting impacts on Native communities

Modern intertribal collaborations

• Today, many Native tribes work together on issues of common concern, such as protecting tribal sovereignty, preserving cultural heritage, and advocating for social justice
• Intertribal organizations like the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) bring together leaders from diverse Native communities to collaborate on policy issues and community development
• Examples of intertribal collaborations include efforts to protect sacred sites like Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, which is significant to multiple Native tribes in the region

Shared struggles and triumphs

• Despite their diversity, Native communities often face similar challenges rooted in the legacy of colonialism, such as land dispossession, cultural erasure, and economic marginalization
• Intertribal solidarity has been crucial in advocating for Native rights and resisting assimilation efforts
• Shared triumphs, such as the recent success of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in halting the Dakota Access Pipeline, demonstrate the power of intertribal unity in the face of adversity

Gender roles and identities

• Gender roles and identities in Native communities are diverse and have evolved over time in response to cultural, social, and political factors
• Traditional gender roles, Two-Spirit identities, and evolving gender norms all shape the experiences of Native individuals and communities
• Understanding the complexity of gender in Native contexts is essential for recognizing the diversity of Indigenous experiences

Traditional gender roles

• Many Native societies have traditionally recognized gender roles that differ from Western binary conceptions of male and female
• For example, in some Plains tribes, women have traditionally been responsible for managing the household, making decisions about resource allocation, and engaging in artistic pursuits like beadwork and quillwork
• Men in these communities have often taken on roles as hunters, warriors, and spiritual leaders, with responsibilities for protecting and providing for their families and communities

Two-Spirit identities

• Two-Spirit is an umbrella term used by some Native communities to describe individuals who embody both masculine and feminine qualities or who take on roles typically associated with a gender other than their biological sex
• Two-Spirit people have historically been respected and celebrated in many Native cultures for their unique spiritual and social roles, such as mediators, healers, and artists
• Examples of Two-Spirit identities include the Navajo nádleehí, the Lakota wíŋkte, and the Zuni lhamana

Evolving gender norms

• Native gender roles and identities have evolved in response to changing social, economic, and political realities, including the impact of colonialism and forced assimilation
• Many Native individuals and communities are reclaiming and redefining traditional gender roles and identities as part of broader efforts to decolonize and revitalize Indigenous cultures
• For example, some Native women are taking on leadership roles in their communities and advocating for issues like environmental justice and reproductive rights, challenging historical gender norms and asserting their agency and power

Socioeconomic disparities

• Native communities face significant socioeconomic disparities rooted in the legacy of colonialism, land dispossession, and systemic racism
• Poverty, limited access to education and resources, and the intersection of race and ethnicity all contribute to the unique challenges faced by Native individuals and communities
• Addressing these disparities requires a holistic, intersectional approach that recognizes the complex factors shaping Native experiences

Poverty in Native communities

• Native Americans have the highest poverty rate of any racial or ethnic group in the United States, with over 25% of Native individuals living below the federal poverty line
• Poverty in Native communities is rooted in a long history of land dispossession, forced relocation, and economic marginalization
• The impact of poverty on Native communities is far-reaching, affecting health outcomes, educational attainment, and overall quality of life

Access to education and resources

• Native students often face significant barriers to accessing quality education, including underfunded schools, limited resources, and cultural disconnects between home and school environments
• Only 17% of Native adults have a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to 33% of the overall U.S. population, reflecting the impact of these educational disparities
• Limited access to resources like healthcare, housing, and job opportunities also contributes to the socioeconomic challenges faced by Native communities

Intersection with race and ethnicity

• The socioeconomic disparities faced by Native communities are deeply intertwined with issues of race and ethnicity
• Native individuals often face discrimination and stereotyping based on their racial and cultural identities, which can limit their opportunities and access to resources
• The intersection of race and poverty creates unique challenges for Native communities, such as higher rates of police violence, environmental injustice, and health disparities

Urban vs rural experiences

• Native individuals and communities have diverse experiences based on whether they live in urban or rural settings
• Urban Native life presents unique challenges and opportunities, while rural reservation experiences are shaped by distinct cultural, social, and economic realities
• Understanding the differences and similarities between urban and rural Native experiences is crucial for recognizing the diversity of Indigenous lives

Challenges of urban Native life

• Over 70% of Native Americans now live in urban areas, often as a result of forced relocation policies like the Indian Relocation Act of 1956
• Urban Native individuals may face challenges such as cultural disconnection, limited access to traditional resources and support systems, and discrimination from non-Native communities
• Urban poverty, homelessness, and health disparities are also significant issues facing Native individuals in cities

Maintaining cultural ties in cities

• Despite the challenges of urban life, many Native individuals and communities are finding ways to maintain their cultural identities and connections in cities
• Urban Native community centers, cultural events, and social networks provide opportunities for Native individuals to connect with one another and celebrate their heritage
• For example, the Chicago American Indian Center offers cultural programming, social services, and a sense of community for the city's diverse Native population

Rural reservation experiences

• Many Native individuals and communities continue to live on or near rural reservations, which are often characterized by close-knit cultural communities, traditional lifeways, and unique challenges
• Reservation communities often face issues such as limited economic opportunities, inadequate housing and infrastructure, and underfunded healthcare and education systems
• However, reservations can also be important centers of cultural preservation, language revitalization, and tribal sovereignty, with many Native nations working to build sustainable, self-determined futures for their communities

Multiracial and multiethnic identities

• Many Native individuals identify as multiracial or multiethnic, reflecting the complex histories of intermarriage, migration, and cultural exchange among Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities
• Multiracial and multiethnic Native individuals often navigate unique challenges and opportunities as they seek to understand and express their multiple cultural identities
• Recognizing and celebrating the diversity of multiracial and multiethnic Native experiences is an important aspect of understanding the complexity of Indigenous identities

Mixed-race Native individuals

• A significant number of Native Americans identify as mixed-race, often as a result of intermarriage between Native and non-Native individuals
• Mixed-race Native individuals may face unique challenges in terms of cultural identity, community acceptance, and legal recognition of their tribal affiliations
• For example, the Cherokee Freedmen, descendants of African American slaves owned by Cherokee members, have faced ongoing struggles for tribal citizenship and recognition

Navigating multiple cultural identities

• Multiracial and multiethnic Native individuals often navigate multiple cultural identities and expectations, balancing their connections to Native and non-Native communities
• This can involve challenges such as reconciling different cultural values, practices, and languages, as well as facing stereotypes and misunderstandings from both Native and non-Native individuals
• However, many multiracial and multiethnic Native individuals also find strength and resilience in their ability to bridge different cultural worlds and create new forms of identity and expression

Acceptance within Native communities

• The acceptance of multiracial and multiethnic Native individuals within Native communities varies widely, reflecting the diversity of cultural attitudes and historical experiences
• Some Native communities have embraced multiracial and multiethnic members, recognizing the complex histories of intermarriage and cultural exchange that have shaped Indigenous identities
• However, others have struggled with issues of cultural authenticity and tribal enrollment, leading to tensions and exclusion for some multiracial and multiethnic Native individuals

Representation and visibility

• Native communities have long faced issues of misrepresentation, stereotyping, and erasure in mainstream media, politics, and public discourse
• Increasing the visibility and representation of diverse Native voices and experiences is crucial for challenging these negative representations and celebrating the richness of Indigenous identities
• Native individuals and communities are using a variety of strategies to assert their presence and agency in the public sphere

Native voices in media and politics

• Native writers, artists, and activists are using their platforms to share authentic stories and perspectives from Indigenous communities
• Examples include authors like Louise Erdrich and Tommy Orange, who explore the complexities of Native identities in their novels, and journalists like Jenni Monet and Julian Brave NoiseCat, who cover issues affecting Native communities
• In politics, Native leaders like Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo), the first Native American Cabinet secretary, and Sharice Davids (Ho-Chunk), one of the first Native American women elected to Congress, are bringing Indigenous voices and priorities to the forefront of national conversations

Combating stereotypes and erasure

• Native communities are actively challenging stereotypical and erasive representations of Indigenous peoples in popular culture, such as the use of Native mascots in sports teams or the romanticization of Native cultures in Hollywood films
• Efforts like the #NotYourMascot campaign and the work of organizations like the Native American Journalists Association are pushing back against these harmful representations and demanding more accurate and respectful portrayals of Native peoples
• Native artists and activists are also using social media and other digital platforms to challenge erasure and assert the presence and diversity of Indigenous communities

Celebrating diverse Native identities

• Native communities are celebrating the diversity of Indigenous identities through cultural events, artistic expressions, and community-based initiatives
• Examples include the annual Santa Fe Indian Market, which showcases the work of Native artists from across the Americas, and the Redhawk Native American Arts Council in New York City, which supports Native artists and promotes cultural exchange
• These celebrations of Native identity and creativity provide important opportunities for Native individuals to connect with one another, share their stories and experiences, and assert the vitality and resilience of Indigenous cultures

Intersectional activism and advocacy

• Native activists and advocates are increasingly using an intersectional approach to address the complex challenges facing Indigenous communities
• This involves recognizing the ways in which issues like environmental justice, gender-based violence, and economic inequality are interconnected and shaped by the unique experiences of Native individuals and communities
• Intersectional activism and advocacy in Native contexts involves building coalitions and solidarity with other marginalized groups and working to dismantle systems of oppression that affect all communities

Native-led social justice movements

• Native communities have a long history of social justice activism and resistance, from the American Indian Movement of the 1960s and 70s to the recent Standing Rock protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline
• Today, Native-led movements are addressing a wide range of issues, from protecting sacred sites and defending tribal sovereignty to advocating for missing and murdered Indigenous women and fighting for environmental justice
• Examples include the Indigenous Environmental Network, which works to protect Native lands and communities from environmental threats, and the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women, which advocates for policies and resources to address the crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls

Collaboration with other marginalized groups

• Native activists and advocates are building coalitions and solidarity with other marginalized groups, recognizing the shared struggles and interconnected systems of oppression that affect all communities
• For example, the Movement for Black Lives has included Native voices and perspectives in its platform and actions, highlighting the ways in which anti-Black racism and settler colonialism are intertwined
• Native communities have also worked in solidarity with other Indigenous peoples around the world, such as the Maori of New Zealand and the Aboriginal peoples of Australia, to advocate for Indigenous rights and self-determination on a global scale

Addressing intersectional oppression

• Intersectional activism and advocacy in Native contexts involves addressing the multiple, overlapping forms of oppression that affect Indigenous communities
• This includes challenging not only racism and colonialism but also sexism, homophobia, ableism, and other forms of marginalization that shape the experiences of Native individuals and communities
• For example, Native LGBTQ+ activists have worked to address the intersections of racism, homophobia, and transphobia that affect Two-Spirit and queer Indigenous individuals, advocating for greater visibility, acceptance, and support within Native communities and beyond

Embracing intersectionality in Native art

• Native artists are increasingly using their work to explore and celebrate the intersectional identities and experiences of Indigenous communities
• This involves challenging monolithic representations of Native cultures and highlighting the diversity and complexity of Indigenous lives
• Embracing intersectionality in Native art provides important opportunities for Native individuals to express their unique identities, share their stories, and assert the vitality and resilience of Indigenous cultures

Diverse artistic expressions

• Native artists are working in a wide range of mediums and styles, from traditional forms like beadwork, weaving, and pottery to contemporary genres like photography, installation art, and digital media
• This diversity of artistic expression reflects the diversity of Native identities and experiences, and challenges stereotypical notions of what constitutes "authentic" Native art
• Examples include the work of artists like Wendy Red Star (Apsáalooke), who uses photography and mixed media to explore issues of cultural identity and representation, and Jeffrey Gibson (Choctaw-Cherokee), who incorporates elements of Native design and queer aesthetics into his paintings, sculptures, and performances

Challenging monolithic representations

• Native artists are using their work to challenge monolithic representations of Indigenous cultures and assert the diversity and complexity of Native identities
• This involves pushing back against stereotypical images of Native peoples as historical relics or exotic Others, and instead presenting authentic, contemporary perspectives on Indigenous lives
• For example, the work of artist and activist Gregg Deal (Pyramid Lake Paiute) often uses humor and irony to challenge stereotypes and assert the presence and agency of Native peoples in contemporary society

Celebrating intersectional Native identities

• Native artists are celebrating the intersectional identities of Indigenous individuals and communities, highlighting the ways in which factors like